Nikon announced the Nikon E3 in 1998
but officially, it was available in December, 1999 - just a few months after the
Company announced the long awaited Nikon
D-1 Digital Still SLR camera.
As most observers in the market made general assumption that the birth of the E3
may also signified the end of the E-Series Digital bodies - this was hardly surprising
as basically the E-series has a few handicaps in its basic design and the call for
a conventional SLR-type design was more desirable than the bulky dimension of the
series.

The E3 series - comprised of Nikon
E3 and E3s - was the 3rd model from the co-development effort between Fuji Film (sold
as "Fujix" Or "Fuji DS- Series) by latter). It uses the Reduction
Optical System "ROS" which enables Nikkor lenses to capture "virtually"
identical "full frame" picture angles and aspect ratios as they do when
mounted on conventional film cameras, even with wideangles and fisheye lenses. Although
from the basic configuration, this camera was quite similar with the earlier E2/E2s
and E2N/E2Ns models except of cause the E3 series models can deliver a higher resolution
at 1.4 million (1,364 x 1,032) total pixels as compared to E2N's 1.3 million pixels (1,280 x 1,000 array) BUT actually within the body, there are MANY
MORE enhancement - both from the design features as well as the software (see below for MORE information). But most of all, the Nikon's E3 series were
also compatible with most Nikkor lenses (older lenses may have limitations) and many
other Nikon system accessories including speedlights and remote triggers while allowing
photographers to download images directly to a PC, or operate remotely from a PC.
The E3 has a few enhancement made, it comes with an additional SCSI high-speed interface;
it now can shoot up to 3 fps for 12 consecutive photos with its larger buffer (standard
version E3 shoots at one frame per second).

Note: The Nikon E3/E3s
was also sold as Fujix DS-560(A). Both have almost virtually similar
basic configuration The Fujix model has its own specific model designation imprinted
at the side where the Nikon simply labeled as E3 or E3 s.

The sensitivity section of the E3 series
models now added with an intermediate setting (MID) which permits STD (Equivalent to ISO 880 film); MID equivalent to ISO 1600 film and HI (equivalent
to ISO 3200 film); Other areas of improvement includes: Metering Range (with f/1.4
lens in STD mode): EV 1 to 16-1/3 for Matrix Metering, EV 15 to 20 for Centre-Weighted
and EV 2 to 20 for Spot metering; the built-in aperture diaphragm inside Reduction
Optics; controlled aperture started from f/4.8 (to f/38) instead of the previous
f/6.7; the Auto Bracketing (AEB) allows user to shoot 2 to 3 frames, each with different
exposures. Compensated value range from ± 1/4 to ±-3/4; 9 combinations
are available. The storage mode has also been improved, where operates at C (continuous
shooting) mode, the E3s now enables up to 12 consecutive shots; an independent PV
(Preview) mode; PC mode was also added; another great improvement is at White Balance
when operating in MANUAL, now it has 6 settings/selection 1) Incandescent light (3,000k),
2) Fluorescent light (6,700/5,000/4,200K), 3) Fine weather (5,300K), 4) Cloudy weather
(6,500K), 5) Shade (8,000K), and 6) F[ash mode (5,700K)]. Further fine-tuning can
be performed. The flash section of the camera has a wider applications, a X-sync
terminal was added, top sync speed of 1/250 sec.; in M or S mode, shutter fires at
user speed set (1/350 to 1/2000 sec. cannot be chosen); Matrix Balanced Fill Flash
possible with Nikon TTL Speedlights including SB-28, 27, 26 and 25; Standard TTL
Flash is also possible; External sync (PC) terminal also provided. Lastly, a few
additional new options were also added in the power-charge accessories.

Overall, although all the E-series
models may sound inferior in the Pixel-war among the many new entries, but the camera
have a few areas which make them as a very attractive alternative to the current
line up of Nikon Digital bodies. Firstly (and most important factor): ALL these E-bodies
has lens inter changeability where they provide a level of flexibility and optical
quality that is hard to match by consumer's level digital models. Technically, the
2/3" CCD should also outperformed 1/2" sensor despite their weak figures
in delivering high pixels fugues and the camera is packed with most of the technologies
you can find in any top notch film-based SLRs, regardless from flash, exposure control
to metering options... so, they become a very logical to relate any of them as alternative
to conventional thinking rush to buy a latest new entries of portable digital models.
Well, all the E-series models also have their shortfalls. For example, you can only
view the images via the eyepiece (but they are far far superior to EVF system employs
in many portables; the whole camera size and weight like a dinosaur and most of all,
the storage options are quite limited etc. But the good thing is, these cameras are
considered obsolete and they should be VERY CHEAP now, they may not be the ultimate
choice for your only Digital SLR but again it depends on your business/personal objective,
for an example, the web designer may find them extremely useful as they don't require
high-res images but they can mount any of their Nikkor to try out to achieve some
desired angle or perspectives. A commercial studio owner may also find them handy
for quick passport output (warning no USB, the E3(s) is the only model that has SCSI
interface or you can get a multi-card reader or using Nikon's own PC-card Reader);
or a loving father that wants to keep track of his family electronic album etc. -
BUT all these possibilities may also boil down to a hard fact - where I have to assume
you are a seasoned photographer who knows how to manipulate confusing buttons and
levels in a typical modern SLR PLUS already has a good collection of Nikkor lenses
in your possession to call for a justification even if they come cheap as an used
unit. Perhaps these are te few facts that I think you should seriously consider before
comiiting any investment.

On the technological front, Nikon
heavily emphasize a few of their innovations in:

Nikon Reduction Optical System (ROS) achieves practically identical picture
angles when the same Nikkor lens is mounted on either an E Series digital or a Nikon
35mm 135-format SLR camera, This avoids confusion when you switch between these two
types of cameras on a shoot. High viewfinder magnification ensures easy, detailed
viewing. The Nikkor wideangle, lens image that you see when setting up is what yen
get, for assurance that the subject filling the viewfinder frame is completely captured
in the final shot.

Infrared Reduction Filter
Ordinarily, a CCD's infrared light sensitivity adversely affects naturalism of reproduced
color. Nikon's infrared reduction filter located in front of the CCD, however, retains
realistic tone and maintains excellent balance of RGB coloration. Low-Pass Filter
Digital cameras tend to suffer from ROB round (false coloration) caused by color
points which should not exist. These points are generated at edges of forms, where
contrast is often dramatic, or in areas of the picture where patterning is very fine.
Color adjustment using a PC deteriorates image quality to an unacceptable degree.
Nikon's optical low-pass filter located in front of the CCD, however, reduces RGB
more effectively.

But features-wise, the E3/E3s have MORE to offer(where some of them have improved
considerably from previous models) ...
For an example: White Balance Control The Auto White Balance (AWB) function
makes highly accurate coloration as easy as possible. For more precise manual control,
white balance can be set to my of six settings, and can be fine-tuned farther.Exposure/Metering Control A choice
of three metering modes and four exposure modes, as well as auto bracketing, offers
plenty of exposure metering flexibility. Anti-Vibration Mode When the shutter
button is pressed, the shutter is released after 0.2-0.3 sec. to prevent possible
effects of camera shake-a feature well-suited to microscope photography.An added SCSI Interface A 25-pin D-Sub
SCSI connector enables setting and control of camera functions, direct transfer of
image data to a PC, and direct printing of images on specific printers.

Auto Bracketing In situations
where it's difficult to obtain proper exposure, auto bracketing lets you shoot the
same subject at two or those, different exposures after you select among three degrees
of exposure, compensation variation:

Custom Setting Function Nine
custom settings include some of those found in the professional Nikon F5 and user-ID
recording to an image Memory Card. Video Output The professional E Series
has an analog video output terminal (NTSC or PAL), which enables video cable connection
to a TV monitor such as a portable LCD TV. This lets you confirm images without use
of a PC. Preview (PV) Mode You can preview a shot image on a TV Monitor without
storing to an Image Memory Card. After confirming the image, you can store the image
to the card by pressing the SENS button. Multiple Compensation Modes Images
are stored in TIFF or three JPEG (Exif Ver. 1. 1) compression modes: HI (uncompressed
TIFF), FINE (compression ratio 1/4), NORMAL (1/8), and BASIC (1/16). uses PCMCIA
Card Convenient delete functions erase any chosen shot or all shots previously
taken and stored, making it easy to fee up space to save your best images; E3s high
buffer memory capacity makes it possible to shoot up to 12 consecutive images at
3 frames per sec. Both the E3s and E3 enable shooting until the memory card is full
at one frame/sec. using newer Ni-MH Battery A longer-life, rechargeable Ni-MH
(nickel-metal hydride) battery powers shooting of up to approx. 1,000 consecutive
shots. External sync (PC) terminal; Nikon Browser Software - Nikon
View ES Camera Shooting Software: Connects the E3/E3s to a PC through a SCSI
cable, enabling you to set shooting conditions and control shooting via a PC. Also,
it allows transfer of shot images to a PC for storage. Camera Setting Software:
Connects the E3/E3s to a PC through a SCSI cable, enabling custom settings via a
PC; Image Download Software: Displays images stored on a PC card inserted
in in the E3/E3s or those on a PC. Also, it displays shooting conditions on these
images.

As most of you recall early days of
development in digital SLR was mainly a marriage between Kodak/Nikon. Somehow the
relationship gets a little confusing when Kodak introduced a Digital SLR based on
a original Canon EOS-1
body, and there were many followed up models since then with the EOS interface. Since then, as I can recalled,
the only Nikon body that Kodak still banged on was actually an APS format Pronea
600i (Actually, it seems to me the deal looks more like a trade off for Nikon's further
commitment in the APS consortium, why ? Since APS format has been defined, there
is definitely a lesser development cost for Kodak than a camera manufacturer, APS
films are still selling everyday - but it may not be the case for a APS camera body,
right ? So, in such a conflicting business, you have to contain a camera manufacturer
to carry on producing more camera bodies, so there will be a bigger market for film
rolls...).

Other info: But whatever it was,
as this emerging market was not dominated and just confined to products from Kodak
and Nikon, with so many strategic alliances formed (Canon + Kodak, Agfa with Minolta,
for a few instances) and others that hounding the back of these Companies, it was
a matter of time that each of the 35mm SLR manufacturers eventually regained their
business sense to get back their own product identity rather than letting others
to ride on their back. So did Nikon, where they also decided in developing their own Digital Still SLRs which
has eventually resulted with the debut of the Nikon D-1 in 1999, all the events and
happening during the confusing state of the mid-end of the '90 seemed fall back in
places (by the way, Nikon's partner in the E-series development, Fuji Film co. Ltd.,
chosen a Nikon F60 body and eventually leads to the development of the Fuji's
FinePix S1 Pro).

Kodak's
DCS-560, a Canon
EOS based digital SLR camera. Delivers 6 mega pixels, 520- 2 mega=D2000; 520 cost
(1999) RM50,000 like D2000, the Model 560 costs RM120,000-00 * US$1=RM3.80. - you can get
half a dozen of a Nikon D1x !Note: A little correction... the Kodak DCS560 is NOT D2000,
the DCS 520 is. Credit: CYLeow,
who happens to use both bodies at the press centre.